Ficus microcarpa Hillii, weeping fig, hills weeping fig or ficus hillii. Fast growing evergreen shade trees suitable for parks and gardens. Ficus hillii will grow to around 16 to 20m and makes an excellent shade tree. Available as tubestock, standards and advanced trees. Used widely as a hedge plant. Ficus microcarpa hillii 'Flash' is a popular cultivar
Popular because they are easy to prune, and in fact have been heavily pruned in many areas to make the familiar 'ball on a stick' look. So although Ficus Hillii or Weeping Fig will naturally grow into a large tree (10 -15m) they can be grown in a container and pruned, easily kept to around 2m. The root system of F.hillii is fairly vigorous and fibrous, best kept away from drains and buildings if planted in the ground.The glossy green foliage and smooth grey bark make them a favorite with landscapers in formal situations.
Drought tolerant, able to cope with poor and compacted soil and a good shade tree for the right position, or as a topiary or pruned specimen in a pot. The best time to prune is 4 weeks before the stingiest growing season, look for the first new shoots and then you can gently shape the tree. Always use clean and sharp pruning equipment to prevent damage and the spread of disease.
The root system is fairly strong and they resent distubance, a little like Lagerstoemia, Ficus Hillii or Weeping Fig tend to send up suckers if roots are 'upset'. Although they are often planted successfully in containers they can become a problem if the root system becomes to big. Root pruning can overcome this. |
